System for modular construction

ABSTRACT

A building structure composed essentially of components for a system of modular construction, including bottom angle members defining an L-shaped recess about the periphery of a slab foundation, structural post members positioned within the recess and spaced from the bottom angle members, truss members held by pairs of post members so as to span the distance across the foundation, and top angle members likewise spaced from the post members and positioned so as to avoid interference with the truss members. The building structure is completed by positioning prefabricated panel members between the post members and the top and bottom angle members, and placing prefabricated roof panels upon the truss members. The upright post members can be structural steel I-beams provided with flange extensions forming slots to receive the truss members. The wall panels can abut behind the post members, and can have cooperating recesses to receive the truss members. The described system of modular construction facilitates rapid assembly of a building structure with unskilled labor, and without use of nails or like penetrating means.

ited States Patent 11 1 W998 [451 Nov. 5, 1974 SYSTEM FOR MODULARCONSTRUCTION [76] Inventor: Jaime Patena, 417 S. Shasta, 'm MurtaghStockton Calif 95205 Assistant Exammer-Leshe A. Braun Attorney, Agent,or FirmFlchr, Hohbach, Test, 1 Filed: J y 5, 1973 Albritton & Herbert[21] Appl. No.: 382,372

52 us. (:1 52/93, 52/263, 52/281, [57] ABSTRACT 51 Int. (:1 i(i4 b l Abuilding Structure COmPOSed esscmial'y f T P [58] Field of Search52/263, 92, 93, 264, 274, for a System Of f" F mg 52/281 293 299 483 729732 bottom angle members defmmg an L-shaped recess about the peripheryof a slab foundation, structural post members positioned within therecess and spaced [56] References Clted from the bottom angle members,truss members held UNITED STATES PATENTS by pairs of post members so asto span the distance 844,179 2/1927 Niesefl 5 across the foundation, andtop angle members likewise 11372306 3/192 Statelma 3 52/92 spaced fromthe post members and positioned so as to l 4/1923 Benson 52/93 avoidinterference with the truss members. The buildg f f t ing structure iscompleted by positioning prefabricated 2,104,874 1/1938 a S one 52/274 Xpanel members between the post members and the top 2:351:856 6/194411611661666211 1:111:11: 52/281 x and bottom gl members, and piaClngprefabrlcated 2,445,491 7/1948 Moloney 52/92 roof Panels p the trussmembers- The P P9 2,590,123 3/1952 Rapp 52/281 X members can bestructural steel I-beams provlded wlth 2,871,997 2/1959 Simpson et al.52/729 X flange extensions forming slots to receive the truss 3,206,9039/1965 Johnson 1 1 52/92 members, The wall panels can abut behind thepost Carew X members and can have ooperating recesses to re- 3340'6579/1967 Thomas 52/93 X ceive the truss members. The described system ofmggg modular construction facilitates rapid assembly of a 3.668 28 61972 NiChOiZtS etal. 52/92 buldmg .structufe unsikued labor and wthout3,744,197 7 1973 Wetzel 52 92 use of Halls of llke Penetratmg means-FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 15 Claims 9 Drawing Figures 803,] l61/1969 Canada 52/92 7 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND. OBJECTS scribed,particularly withrespect to means by which upright post members can be.rapidly assembled upon a foundation in conjunction with roof trussmembers,

in such fashion as to facilitate placement and attachment of preformedroof and wall panels without use of nails or like attachment means.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system for modularconstruction of the type described employing readily availablestructural components such as steel l-beams and angle members, inconjunction with preformed panel and trussmembers, whereby asubstantially completed building structure can be assembled in a minimumof time. p

A further object of the invention is to provide a system for modularconstruction wherein the components are easily and inexpensivelymanufactured, easily transported to the construction site, and easilyemployed in the erection of buildings of predetermined architecturaldesign.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a system formodular construction employing available and preformed components,whichrequires only a minimum of on-site labor for erection and finishingprocedures to prepare the building for occupancy.

A still further object of the invention is to provide system for modularconstruction of the type described which facilitates rapid assembly of abuilding structure with unskilled labor, and without the use of nails orlike penetrating means.

A still further object of the invention is to provide-a system formodular construction of the type described which enables a buildingstructure to be readily assembled and used, and just as easilydisassembled for transport and use at another building site.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from thefollowing detailed description of the same, and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 4 is an enlarged view in verticalsection along the line 4-4 of FIG. I.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view, in section and elevation. of theportion 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a like view along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7. is a detailed view in perspective, with parts in phantom,particularly illustrating the means for attachment of truss and panelmembers at the top of an upright post member.

FIG. 8 is a like view, particularly illustrating the means forattachment of post and panel members at the bottom of an upright postmember.

Flg. 9 is a detailed view, like FIG. 8, illustrating assembly of postand angle members at a corner of a building structure according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present inventiongenerally provides a system for modular construction wherein use is madeof available or readily fabricated modular components, and whichfacilitates the rapid construction of residences, offices, and likestructures intended for human habitation.

In a completed building structure, the modular components include aseries of bottom structural angle members which define the peripheralboundaries of a slab foundation, and a series of upright structurallbeams or like post members which are mounted at a predetermined spaceddistance from the angle members. The post members are arranged inparallelfashion on opposite sides of the slab foundation, and haveupstanding recessed attachment means to receive and support horizontaltruss members. Top structural angle members are mounted adjacent the topof the post members, likewise at a predetermined spaced distance fromthe post members, and in parallel, vertically spaced relation withrespect to the bottom angle members. The top angle members are alsopositioned so as to avoid interference with the recessed attachmentmeans for the truss members. The latter span the dis tance between thetwo lines of parallel post members and provide a means for attachmentand support of roof panels. The building structure is completed by aseries of prefabricated wall panels which are of a thickness to bereceived between the upright post members and the top and botom anglemembers, and which are dimensioned to span the longitudinal distancebetween the post members. Preferably the wall panels are prefabricatedto provide both interiorand exterior wall surfaces for the structure,and to abut behind the post members so as to avoid exposure of seams onthe exterior of the building structure. Top portions of adjacent wallpanels can also be provided with cooperating cor ner recesses tofacilitate passage of a truss member.

In general. the structural steel angle members and lbeams used as posts,can be obtained from commercial sources of supply for such constructionmaterials. The wall panels can also be obtained from commercial sources,with but little variation in the manufacturing procedure or instructionsto the manufacturer. The disclosed system for modular construction thusmakes possible the rapid and efficient erection of building structuresaccording to virtually any architectural plan, with use of availableunskilled labor, and in periods of time which are a fraction of thetimes normally required for similar construction.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 10 indicates a building structurewherein modular components according to the invention (visible from theexterior of the building) include a foundation as generally representedat 12, a series of upright post members 14 arranged in parallel fashionalong two sides of the foundation, wall panels 16 of various types andconfigurations. and roof panels 18. As particularly illustrated in FIGS.2, 4 and 8, the foundation 12 is in the form of a concrete slab,"wherein the peripheral boundary is defined by a series of structuralL-shaped angle members 20. It is a particular advantage of the describedsystem, that the angle members can be rapidly and accurately positionedadjacent the upright post members 14, thereby insuring proper placementof the wall panels 16 at the time of erecting the building structure 10.In this regard, the angle members 20 cooperate in the formation of agenerally L-shaped, outwardly facing recess 21 in the upper peripheralboundary of the slab foundation, wherein the upstanding post members 14are positioned at a predetermined spaced distance from upright portions22 of the angle members. Thus, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 8,the L-shaped angle member 20 has an upright portion 22 which is spacedat a distance 24 from the post member 14, which distance approximatesthe thickness of the wall panels 16.

With further reference to FIG. 8, it will be seen that each of the postmembers 14 can be provided with a base mounting which preferably is inthe form of a plate 26, welded or otherwise integrally secured to thebottom of the post member. The base mounting plate 26 facilitates themounting of the post members within the recess 21 of the foundation, andthe ready attachment of the post members to the foundation by means oflag bolts 28 or other suitable attachment means. For example, in atypical construction procedure, the foundation 12 might be poured withrecess-forming boards held in place about the periphery by means offoundation inserts of desired size (e.g., inverted lag bolts),positioned at the point of placement of the posts. Upon removing theedge boards, the post members 14 can be readily mounted within theresulting recess 21 by means of the plate members 26. Thus, as generallyillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, the plate members 26 are provided withapertures to receive the foundation inserts 27, and are secured in placeby means of the outer locking nuts 28.

Following placement of the post members 12, the bottom angle members 20can likewise be secured to the foundation inserts 27, and also to thebase plate 26, by means of inner locking nuts 30. Thus as particularlyillustrated in FIG. 8, the foundation inserts extend upward through thebase plate and also through apertures provided in the lower flange ofthe angle member 20, thereby insuring that the post members 14 arepositioned in desired spaced relation from the upright flange portion 22of the foundation recess 21. Additional foundation attachments such asexpansion type lag bolts 31 and spacing washers 32 can be provided tohold the angle members 20 firmly in place between the post members 14,at the peripheral boundary of the concrete slab 12 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).In this fashion,

a series of angle members 20 can be readily positioned in desired spacerelation with respect to a series of upright posts members 14, on twoopposite parallel sides of the foundation 12 (see FIG. 2).

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 9, angle members 20 can beassembled in similar fashion on the ends of the slab foundation. In thiscase, however, the intervening post members I4 can be omitted so thatonly the outer ends of the angle members willbc supported on the baseplates of the corner post members. Intervening portions of the anglemembers 20 can be held in place by lag bolts 31, and spacers 32, aspreviously described.

As illustrated, the upright post members 14 are preferably in the formof structural steel I-beams having web portions 34 and parallel flangeportions 36. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, these members are arrangedso that the web portions are parallel to the line of the wall whereasthe flange portions are perpendicular to the line of the wall. Thisarrangement provides a maximum resistance to bending moments in theplane of the walls, as represented by the panels 16. The describedarrangement also facilitates the provision of upstanding attachmentmeans 38 in the form of extensions of the flanges 36 of the I-beams.Thus, as particularly shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the post members 14 havecross plates 40, above which the web portions 34 are omitted to therebyprovide recessed passages 42 extending transversely to the line of thewall. This arrangement facilitates the rapid asssembly of cross bracingjoist assemblies or truss members I4, which function to span thehorizontal distance between a pair of post members 14 on opposite sidesof the foundation (see FIG. 2).

Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 through 7, the truss members 44 can bein the form of prefabricated rafter assemblies, including lower crossmembers 46 and upper roof forming members 48 interconnected by crossbracing 50. The truss members are secured within the upstandingattachment means of the post members by means of upper and lower crossbolts 52, which pass through the members 46 and 48 and which are tied toone another by means of the apertured rods 54. In general, theparticular design of the truss members 44 is not critical to theinvention, and these members can be obtained from a suitable commercialsource. In this regard, the pitch dimensions and degree of overhang ofthe roof forming members 48 will generally be determined by therequirements of a particular construction project.

Following erection of two generally parallel series of upright posts 14on opposite sides of the foundation 12, the truss members 44 are loweredinto position within the recesses 42 of the upstanding attachment means38, and firmly locked in position by the bolts 52. The general procedureis illustrated in FIG. 2, which shows a stage in the assembly of thetruss members 44 on the post members 14. Thereafter, the top anglemembers are mounted at an inwardly spaced position between the adjacentpost members 14, and at a desired vertical distance above the bottomangle members 20. In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished byattaching the top angle members 60 (which may be in the form ofstructural steel T-bars) to the extending flange portions 36 of theupstanding attachment means 38.

Thus, as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the angle members 60are demountably assembled on the members 36 by means of inwardlyextending plates 62 and suitable attachment means 64. As in the case ofthe bottom angle members 20, inner vertical surfaces of the anglemembers 60 are spaced from the post members 14 at a distance whichapproximates the thickness of the wall panels 16. The mounting of thetop angle members 60 by means of the attachment plates 62 alsofacilitates positioning of the top angle members at any desired verticaldistances from the bottom angles 20, as required by the vertical heightof the wall panels 16. The mode of attachment also avoids intrusion ofthe attachment means into the transverse slots 42 for the truss members44.

As will be apparent from the foregoing, the mounting of the top andbottom structural angle members 60 and at a spaced horizontal distancefrom the post members, and at a predetermined vertical distance fromeach other, facilitates the ready assembly of wall panels 16 between theperipheral edges of the foundation and the posts. Thus, as will beapparent from FIGS. 2 and 4, the wall panels 16 can be received withinthe slots provided at the bottom by the post members 14 and the legs 22and of the L-shaped brackets 20, and at the top by the post members andthe upright 66 and horizontal leg 68 of the angle members 60. Ifdesired, the prefabricatedwall panels 16 can be positioned behind thepost members 14 so that their adjacent vertical edges abut or form aseam which is hidden by the web 34 of the post members (see FIG. 3').Also, to facilitate passage of the truss members 44, the wall panels canbe conveniently provided with recessed corners 70, dimensioned so thatthe paired recesses correspond in widthto the recessed openings 42 ofthe post members. As particularly shown in F lg. 7, this arrangementfacilitates passage of a truss member without loss of structuralsupport, and without interfering in any way with the placement of thepanels between the top and bottom angle members 60 and 20.

At the ends of the building structure, the wall panels 16 can beassembled directly against the'lower angle members 20 and the crossmember 46 of the end truss member 44. For such purpose, the uprightportions 22 of the bottom angles 20 can be provided with apertures tofacilitate attachment by means of wood screws or the like. Suchprocedure can also be employed along the lower periphery of the sidewall panels, as schematically represented at 72 in FIG. 4.

In general, the wall panels 16 can be prefabricated to meet desireddesign requirements. For example, a typical wall panel 16 can have anexterior skin of wood or like material, as conventionally produced inthe factory by a plywood fabricator. In like fashion, the interior skinof a panel can be formed of plastic composition, textured plywood, andso on. The wall panels can also be constructed to include suitableinsulation materials, foil lining, and the like, as may be required bylocal building codes and fire regulations. Many variations in theprecise construction of the wall panel units 16 are thereforecontemplated. For purposes of the invention, the only requirement isthat the dimensions be generally conformable to a desired verticalspacing between the top and bottom angle members 60 and 20, and thehorizontal spacing between the upright post members 14. Thus, as notedpreviously, the vertical positioning of the attachment plates 62 iseasily adjusted in a given construction project to accommodate wallpanels of .varying height. The only adjustment would be a variance inthe dimension of exterior blocking utilized to fill the vertical spacebetween the tops of the panels and the truss members 44. In likefashion, the post members 14 will generally be spaced according to astandard module, determined by the dimensions of the prefabricated panelcomponents. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the modular systemof the present invention is quite flexible and highly adaptable to avariety of constructional requirements.

Following assembly of the truss members 44 on the upright post members14, and either before of after assembly of the wall panels 16 in themanner described, the roof panels 18 can be mounted directly on theupper truss members 48. This arrangement is schematically illustrated inFIG. 1. The roof panels can be of desired prefabricated construction asmanufactured and sold by a number of commercial sources. As furtherrepresented schematically in FIG. 4, the roof panels 18 provideconvenient support for conventional roofing materials such as tar andgravel, asphalt shingles and the like, as generally represented at 76.Finish details with respect to the roof panels 18 and applied roofingmaterials can therefore be according to conventional practice, forexample, including the placement of gutters 78, fascia boards 80, andthe like.

The utility of the system for modular construction as herein described,and as employed in a typical construction project, will now be brieflysummarized. Assuming a rectangular one level building structure, asrepresented in FIGS. 1 and 2, a slab foundation can be poured with edgeboards held in place by appropriately spaced lag bolts 27. Upon removingthe edge boards,

the upright post members 14 can be mounted on two sides of the slabfoundation and within the peripheral recesses 21 formed by the edgeboards, utilizing the mounting plates 26. The bottom angle members 20can now be assembled within the recesses 21, in desired spaced relationupon and between the mounting plates 26. Thus, as particularlyillustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 8, the positioning of the bottom anglemembers 20 upon the inner lag bolts 27, insures the predeterminedspacing 24 between the inner edges of the upright posts 14 and theupright portions 22 of the bottom angle members 20. Next, the trussmembers 44 are placed within the recessed openings of the attachmentmeans 38 of opposing pairs of post members 14, and bolted into place bymeans of the bolts 52. The top angle members 60 can now be positioned bymeans of the brackets 62, the wall panels 16 mounted within the slots orspaces formed between the upright post members 14 and the top and bottomangle members 60, 20. In this activity, it may be more convenient tofirst place the panels 16 within the bottom slots prior to attaching thetop angle members by means of the brackets 62. In either event, thepanels are chosen according to the architects plan, to provide windowand door spaces in the desired locations. In the course of suchassembly, the panels are received behind the posts in such fashion thatthe seams of the abutting vertical edges are hidden behind the webs 34of the post members 14, and so that the recesses cooperate to receivethe outwardly extending portions of the truss members 44. The structureis completed by mounting the roof panels 18 on the upper surfaces 48 ofthe truss members, following which the structure can be made essentiallywater and airtight by application of blocking, calking, roofingmaterials, etc., in conventional fashion.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the described system formodular construction provides many advantages, foremost of which is theability to rapidly assemble a building structure with unskilled laborand in a minimum of time, and without the use of nails or likeattachment means. The means for demountably assembling the variouscomponents also makes possible the disassembly of the building structurefor re-use at a different location, again with a minimum of effort andrequirement of construction skills. In a typical construction project, astandard residential unit might be erected by a three or four manconstruction team, in a period of 2 weeks or less, at a costapproximating percent or less of the cost of the preformed orprefabricated components.

To those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, manydifferent applications and embodiments will suggest themselves withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, whilethe upright post members 14 have been shown as structural steel memberswith integral base plates for attachment to the foundation, it will beapparent that a separate base plate with a vertical extension adapted tobe bolted or otherwise demountably attached to the web or flangeportions of the post members, would be equally satisfactory. Likewise,structural aluminum or like materials of equivalent strength might beutilized in place of the structural steel components. Accordingly, itshould be understood that the disclosures herein are intended to bepurely illustrative and not limiting except as defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. In a system for modular construction, a series of elongate outwardlyfacing bottom angle members forming an integral part of the foundationof a building structure, said angle members having upright portionscoincident with a periphery of said foundation, upright post membersattached to said bottom angle m embers along at least two opposite sidesof said building structure, said post members being spaced outwardly andat a predetermined horizontal distance from the upright portions of saidangle members, said post members having upstanding attachment means attheir tops, a series of prefabricated truss members supported by pairsof said post members positioned on said opposite sides of the buildingstructure and held in place by said attachment means, each of said trussmembers spanning the horizontal distance between a supporting pair ofsaid post members, elongate outwardly facing top angle membersinterconnecting said post members at a spaced vertical distance abovethe bottom angle members on said two sides of the building structure,said top angle members having upright portions spaced inwardly atsubstantially said predetermined horizontal distance from said uprightpost members, a plurality of prefabricated wall panels positioned withrespect to said upright post members so that top portions of said panelsare held between said top angle members and said post members and bottomportions of said wall panels are held between said bottom angle membersand said post members, and a plurality of prefabricated roof panelsattached to and supported by said truss members, said upright postmembers, truss members, wall panels, and roof panels combining to forman essentially complete building structure.

2. A system for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein saidfoundation is a slab foundation and said bottom angle members includeupright portions defining an exterior boundary of said slab foundation.

3. A system for modular construction as in claim 2 wherein said bottomangle members are structural steel members of substantially L-shapedcross section.

4. A system for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein said uprightpost members are structural steel l-beams arranged so that the flangeportions are perpendicular to the plane of a wall formed by said wallpanels.

5. A system for modular construction as in claim 4 wherein each saidpost member is mounted on a base plate which is rigidly secured to oneof said bottom angle members.

6. A system for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein each of saidtruss members includes a substantially horizontal strength member and atleast one inclined strength member secured thereto by truss bracingmembers, said inclined member establishing the roof plane of saidbuilding structure.

7. A system for modular construction as in claim 6 wherein top anglemembers are of T-shaped configuration.

8. A system for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein each of saidtop angle members including said upright portion is a structural steelmember, said upright portion being arranged so that it-is parallel toand coincident with the top of a wall panels and is horizontally spacedinwardly from an upright post member a distance approximating thethickness of said wall panel.

9. A system for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein adjacentupper corners of said wall panels are cut away to provide recess meansdimensioned to facilitate reception of a truss member within theattachment means of an upright post member in front of the abuttingvertical edges thereof.

10. A system for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein adjacentvertical edges of said wall panels abut at positions behind said uprightpost members.

11. A building structure composed essentially of components useful in asystem of modular construction, comprising: a generally rectangular slabfoundation, a series of structural bottom angle members having anupright portion, said bottom angle member defining the peripheralboundary of said slab foundation and forming a continuous outwardlyopening L-shaped recess in the edge thereof, a series of uprightstructural post members attached to said bottom angle member at spacedposition along at least two opposite and parallel sides of said slabfoundation, said post members being supported adjacent the L-shapedrecess formed by said bottom angle members and at a predeterminedhorizontal distance outwardly from the upright portions thereof, saidpredetermined horizontal distance approximating the thickness of wallpanels received between said bottom angle members and said upright postmembers, each of said post members being provided with upstanding spacedapart attachment means defining transverse slots at the tops thereof, aseries of structural top angle members defining upper peripheralboundaries for said wall panels, end portions of said top angle membersbeing supported at their ends on the upstanding attachment means of saidpost members so as to avoid interference with the transverse slots insaid attachment means, said top angle members likewise being spaced atsaid predetermined horizontal distance inwardly from said post membersto thereby accommodate the thickness of said wall panel members, saidtop angle members also being in horizontal alignment with said bottomangle members, a series of prefabricated truss members defining the roofplanes of said building structure, each of said truss members extendinghorizontally through the transverse slots of at least two post membersso as to span the horizontal distance between said post members, saidtruss members being thereby supported at a predetermined verticaldistance above said slab foundation, a plurality of prefabricated wallpanels of vertical dimension to be received between said top and bottomangle members and of horizontal dimension sufficient to span thedistance between adjacent upright post members on a common edge of saidslab foundation, said prefabricated wall panels being provided withcorner recesses in upper portions thereof to accommodate said trussmembers, and prefabricated roof panel members attached to and supportedby said truss members, said slab foundation upright post members, topand bottom angle members, wall panels, and roof panels defining asubstantially complete building structure.

12. A building structure as in claim 11 wherein said upright postmembers are steel l-beams having web portions parallel to the plane ofsaid wall panels and flange portions perpendicular to the plane of saidwall panels.

13. A building structure as in claim 12 wherein said l-beams areprovided with integral bottom plate members, said bottom plate membersbeing provided with apertures to facilitate attachment to said bottomangle members.

14. A building structure as in claim 12 wherein the upstandingattachment means of said post members are formed as extensions of theflange portion of said beams.

IS. A building structure as in claim 11 wherein said bottom anglemembers are provided with vertical portions protruding above the planeof said slab foundation, said vertical portions being provided withapertures cooperating with attachment means in engagement with lowerportions of said prefabricated wall panels.

1. In a system for modular construction, a series of elongate outwardlyfacing bottom angle members forming an integral part of the foundationof a building structure, said angle members having upright portionscoincident with a periphery of said foundation, upright post membersattached to said bottom anGle members along at least two opposite sidesof said building structure, said post members being spaced outwardly andat a predetermined horizontal distance from the upright portions of saidangle members, said post members having upstanding attachment means attheir tops, a series of prefabricated truss members supported by pairsof said post members positioned on said opposite sides of the buildingstructure and held in place by said attachment means, each of said trussmembers spanning the horizontal distance between a supporting pair ofsaid post members, elongate outwardly facing top angle membersinterconnecting said post members at a spaced vertical distance abovethe bottom angle members on said two sides of the building structure,said top angle members having upright portions spaced inwardly atsubstantially said predetermined horizontal distance from said uprightpost members, a plurality of prefabricated wall panels positioned withrespect to said upright post members so that top portions of said panelsare held between said top angle members and said post members and bottomportions of said wall panels are held between said bottom angle membersand said post members, and a plurality of prefabricated roof panelsattached to and supported by said truss members, said upright postmembers, truss members, wall panels, and roof panels combining to forman essentially complete building structure.
 2. A system for modularconstruction as in claim 1 wherein said foundation is a slab foundationand said bottom angle members include upright portions defining anexterior boundary of said slab foundation.
 3. A system for modularconstruction as in claim 2 wherein said bottom angle members arestructural steel members of substantially L-shaped cross section.
 4. Asystem for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein said upright postmembers are structural steel I-beams arranged so that the flangeportions are perpendicular to the plane of a wall formed by said wallpanels.
 5. A system for modular construction as in claim 4 wherein eachsaid post member is mounted on a base plate which is rigidly secured toone of said bottom angle members.
 6. A system for modular constructionas in claim 1 wherein each of said truss members includes asubstantially horizontal strength member and at least one inclinedstrength member secured thereto by truss bracing members, said inclinedmember establishing the roof plane of said building structure.
 7. Asystem for modular construction as in claim 6 wherein top angle membersare of T-shaped configuration.
 8. A system for modular construction asin claim 1 wherein each of said top angle members including said uprightportion is a structural steel member, said upright portion beingarranged so that it is parallel to and coincident with the top of a wallpanels and is horizontally spaced inwardly from an upright post member adistance approximating the thickness of said wall panel.
 9. A system formodular construction as in claim 1 wherein adjacent upper corners ofsaid wall panels are cut away to provide recess means dimensioned tofacilitate reception of a truss member within the attachment means of anupright post member in front of the abutting vertical edges thereof. 10.A system for modular construction as in claim 1 wherein adjacentvertical edges of said wall panels abut at positions behind said uprightpost members.
 11. A building structure composed essentially ofcomponents useful in a system of modular construction, comprising: agenerally rectangular slab foundation, a series of structural bottomangle members having an upright portion, said bottom angle memberdefining the peripheral boundary of said slab foundation and forming acontinuous outwardly opening L-shaped recess in the edge thereof, aseries of upright structural post members attached to said bottom anglemember at spaced position along at least two opposite and parallel sidesof said slab foundation, said post members being supportEd adjacent theL-shaped recess formed by said bottom angle members and at apredetermined horizontal distance outwardly from the upright portionsthereof, said predetermined horizontal distance approximating thethickness of wall panels received between said bottom angle members andsaid upright post members, each of said post members being provided withupstanding spaced apart attachment means defining transverse slots atthe tops thereof, a series of structural top angle members definingupper peripheral boundaries for said wall panels, end portions of saidtop angle members being supported at their ends on the upstandingattachment means of said post members so as to avoid interference withthe transverse slots in said attachment means, said top angle memberslikewise being spaced at said predetermined horizontal distance inwardlyfrom said post members to thereby accommodate the thickness of said wallpanel members, said top angle members also being in horizontal alignmentwith said bottom angle members, a series of prefabricated truss membersdefining the roof planes of said building structure, each of said trussmembers extending horizontally through the transverse slots of at leasttwo post members so as to span the horizontal distance between said postmembers, said truss members being thereby supported at a predeterminedvertical distance above said slab foundation, a plurality ofprefabricated wall panels of vertical dimension to be received betweensaid top and bottom angle members and of horizontal dimension sufficientto span the distance between adjacent upright post members on a commonedge of said slab foundation, said prefabricated wall panels beingprovided with corner recesses in upper portions thereof to accommodatesaid truss members, and prefabricated roof panel members attached to andsupported by said truss members, said slab foundation upright postmembers, top and bottom angle members, wall panels, and roof panelsdefining a substantially complete building structure.
 12. A buildingstructure as in claim 11 wherein said upright post members are steelI-beams having web portions parallel to the plane of said wall panelsand flange portions perpendicular to the plane of said wall panels. 13.A building structure as in claim 12 wherein said I-beams are providedwith integral bottom plate members, said bottom plate members beingprovided with apertures to facilitate attachment to said bottom anglemembers.
 14. A building structure as in claim 12 wherein the upstandingattachment means of said post members are formed as extensions of theflange portion of said I-beams.
 15. A building structure as in claim 11wherein said bottom angle members are provided with vertical portionsprotruding above the plane of said slab foundation, said verticalportions being provided with apertures cooperating with attachment meansin engagement with lower portions of said prefabricated wall panels.